While frank dialogue and cooperation will always be necessary between two major international powers, there are many concerns that now is certainly not the right time for Starmer to rub shoulders with Beijing. China continues to threaten Taiwan and refuses to condemn Russia for its illegal invasion of Ukraine. Moreover, with the incoming Trump administration already angered by the UK's decision to rescind the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, posturing toward Beijing will only alienate the US further. The UK must think twice about closer relations with China at this time.

There's enormous potential for cooperation between China and the UK, and Starmer has made no secret that he's seeking a renewed relationship with Xi. Yet so far, the UK's behavior doesn't match its rhetoric, with trade embargoes and an increasing military presence in the South China Sea undermining Downing Street's hopeful messaging. Lammy's visit to China was a step in the right direction, but more must be done to reassure Beijing that Westminster is willing to step out of America's shadow and make use of the opportunities on offer.